Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed today’s National Court ruling confirming that former Chairman of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), Dr Benedict Yaru, has no legal standing to continue in that role, having already served the maximum terms permitted under the law.
The Court found that Dr Yaru had served two full terms — a total of nine years — and that the KPHL Authorization Act 2015 “does not allow for a third term for directors other than the Managing Director.”
The Court also held that Dr Yaru “is not authorized to commence proceedings on behalf of the other directors” and struck out his case accordingly.
PM Marape commended the Court’s decision, saying it sent a strong message that laws enacted to safeguard good governance in
State-owned enterprises must be respected.
“I commend the Court for its clear and decisive ruling. Let this be a reminder to all of us —in leadership, business, and the community — that we must follow the law at all times. No one is above it,” Mr Marape said.
The ruling follows the Government’s appointment of Mr Gerea Aopi as the new Chairman of KPHL last month, a decision that Dr Yaru challenged in court.
With the matter now resolved, the Prime Minister said the newly appointed board can focus on its work.
“The new board will get to work immediately to ensure our petroleum assets are managed with integrity, transparency, and in the best interests of all Papua New Guineans,” he said.